bush as well as president barack obama. he has served eight presidents as well as under the role of the cia and national security adviser. he was sworn in as to -- in 2006 at the 22nd secretary of defense. he was the president of texas a&m univ.. prior to assuming the texas a&m presidency, bob served as dean of the george bush school of government and public service at texas a&m. he has been awarded the national security medal, the president said this and metal, and has twice received the national the distinguished intelligence medal. on his last day of office, president obama awarded him the presidential medal of freedom. he is one of the most honorable and effective public servants i have known. we are deeply indebted to you for being here. i am told you are about to appear on all screens. admiral mullen has made a statement and we will have questions for both of you at the conclusion of yours. well -- >> powerful man. [laughter] >> now we see you, bob. do we have audio? can you hear me, secretary gates? ok, we are not ge